European Leagues

Bassey and Iwobi Shine As Fulham Knock Chelsea Out In Boxing Day Special

Super Eagles duo, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi were brilliant in today’s London derby as they helped Fulham to a 2-1 win against Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge, Soccernet.ng reports.

The pair have been ever-present for Marco Silva’s side this season. Iwobi has played every game for the Cottagers in the English Premier League this season while Bassey missed the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield due to the a yellow card suspension.

Fulham had one win from their last five games prior to today’s game and needed a lift today to increase their chances of playing in a European competition when the season ends.

Raul Jimenez had the games’ first shot on target in the first fifteen minutes but the effort was well stopped by Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez. A minute later, Cole Palmer broke the deadlock.

The former Manchester City midfielder took the ball in his stride after receiving it from Levi Colwill. He beat three Fulham players before placing the ball beyond Bernd Leno’s reach.

Bassey nearly equalized almost immediately. The Nigerian defender went on a mazy solo run, dribbling past Malo Gusto and Tosin Adarabioyo before unleashing a low-driven shot into Sanchez’s arms.

Alex Iwobi and Antonee Robinson continued to threaten Chelsea’s left hand side after the restart and their effort yielded fruit in the 82nd minute.

Iwobi darted almost 40 yards after the half-way line into Chelsea’s box before feeding the ball into Robinson’s path. The USMNT full-back crossed the ball to meet Timothy Castagne’s head. The Belgian headed the ball across the box to be tapped home by substitute Harry Wilson who scored his fourth goal off the bench for Fulham this campaign.

Chelsea responded with intent, and forced two stunning saves from Bernd Leno, but it was Marco Silva’s side that had their gifts unwrapped in front of the fifth stand on boxing day.

A counter-attack led by Wilson saw the Scotland midfielder produce an outside foot pass for Sasa Lukic. The Serbian squared the ball into the box for Brazilian youngster, Rodrigo Muniz. The 23-year-old striker controlled the ball with his right foot before beating Sanchez with a left-footed strike to seal all three points for Fulham.

Marco Silva’s side are now level on points with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and could go as high as 5th on the league table if they defeat Bournemouth on Sunday at Craven Cottage.

Related Topics:Bassey Chelsea Featured Fulham Iwobi

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Mbappe Hat-Trick Dismantles Man City As Real Madrid Hit Last 16

Real Madrid have booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League after a convincing 3-0 over Manchester City in the second leg of their play-off round tie at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the final aggregate score being 6-2.

A stunning comeback in Manchester last week ensured that Real Madrid only needed to avoid defeat in the second leg in order to be confirmed in the next round. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were never going to settle for this, and they extended their aggregate lead inside the opening four minutes in the Spanish capital. A long ball over the top from Raul Asencio went into the path of Kylian Mbappe, who lobbed over the onrushing Ederson and into the back of the net.

Just beyond the half hour mark, Mbappe got his and Real Madrid’s second of the evening. A wonderful team move ended with Rodrygo Goes playing in the French attacker, and he showed great feet to take the ball away from a couple of Man City defenders before blasting in from close range.

That goal put the tie beyond any doubt, but Real Madrid and Mbappe did not stop there. The 26-year-old would finish off for his second hat-trick of the season on 61 minutes after he curled the ball into the far corner to complete a sensational evening for him and his teammates.

However, it was not a perfect match for Ancelotti’s side as they conceded in the final minute after former Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez scored from close range after Omar Marmoush’s free-kick came back off the crossbar.

The result means that Real Madrid are into the next round, and they will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 stage of the Champions League. The draw for that round is set to take place later this week.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

UCL: PSG Whitewash Brest To Set Up Clash With Liverpool or Barcelona

UCL: PSG Whitewash Brest To Stroll Into Last 16

Paris St-Germain roared into the last 16 of the Champions League with a thumping victory over Brest.

Luis Enrique’s side will now face Liverpool or Barcelona with the draw due to take place on Friday, 21 February at 11:00 GMT, in Nyon Switzerland.

Already leading 3-0 from the first leg of their knockout play-off, the hosts again exhibited their superiority over a fellow French side they have now defeated four times this season – scoring 18 times in the process.

Bradley Barcola extended their advantage with a neat near-post effort and his fellow winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tapped in PSG’s second of the evening before the break.

Portugal international Joao Neves also hit the crossbar for the hosts, before his compatriot and midfield partner Vitinha curled a low shot into the right corner from 18 yards just before the hour mark.

From there PSG moved through the gears.

Goncalo Ramos teed up fellow substitute Desire Doue for their fourth, the impressive Nuno Mendes slid in Achraf Hakimi’s teasing ball for a fifth, Ramos’ deft finish brought a sixth and teenager Senny Mayulu rounded off the scoring with four minutes left.

It ensured a miserable night in the French capital for Brest, who only threatened sporadically when Mathias Pereira Lage’s placed effort was cleared off the line by PSG captain Marquinhos and Pierre Lees-Melou hit the post with a curling effort.

BBC

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Ademola Lookman Trains Fully Ahead Of Champions League Clash

Atalanta has received a significant boost ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash against Club Brugge, with Nigerian international Ademola Lookman returning to full training on Monday, February 17, per Allnigeriasoccer.

Lookman had been sidelined due to a knee injury sustained just two days before a crucial match against Barcelona.

His recovery and return to group training are expected to enhance Atalanta’s attacking options as they prepare for the upcoming fixture.

Lookman’s return is also a positive development for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.

Chelle, who was appointed as the head coach of the Nigeria national football team in January 2025, is keen to have his key players in top form ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are set to resume their qualifying campaign in March 2025, with matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Lookman’s return to fitness will be closely monitored by Chelle, as the winger’s pace and creativity could be instrumental in Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures.

Atalanta’s coach will however assess Lookman’s fitness to determine his potential involvement in the upcoming Champions League match against Brugge.

Given the importance of the fixture, Lookman’s inclusion could provide a significant advantage, as his attacking prowess has been a key asset for Atalanta this season.

For Atalanta supporters, Lookman’s recovery is great news, and the club’s prospects in the Champions League look much brighter with him back in the fold.

Atalanta is aiming to build on their strong performances this season, and Lookman’s return is crucial as they look to advance further in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

As the match day draws closer, both Lookman and Atalanta are hopeful that the winger can make an impact once again, and fans are excited to see the Nigerian back on the pitch.

With Lookman fully integrated into the squad once more, Atalanta’s attacking threat is renewed, and they are optimistic about their chances in the Champions League.

Allnigeriasoccer